October 2004

e-HUM is a free service of Indiana Area United Methodist Communications, www.inareaumc.org. Subscribers will receive late-breaking news, announcements and Church resources via e-mail. We welcome your comments and submissions, please direct to e-HUM editor at ehumeditor@inareaumc.org.

Highlights from the October issue of Together

Thanks to Together Readers

Thank you for answering our plea to financially underwrite Hoosier United Methodists Together in light of a ten percent decrease in funds from the North Indiana Conference. Your support of this ministry was an overwhelming response and is greatly appreciated. To date Together has received more than $19,000 to insure the publication of every issue this year.

Daniel R. Gangler, editor

United Methodist Heads New Native American Museum

WASHINGTON (UMNS) -- A cultural renaissance is under way among Native Americans, according to the director of the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington. It is a change that is "truly profound," said Richard West Jr., a United Methodist and Southern Cheyenne.

"The attitude of native peoples toward themselves and their culture is vastly different today ? far more affirmative than it was when I was growing up." American Indian culture was celebrated with the Sept. 21 opening of the museum on the National Mall. The United Methodist Church has about 20,000 Native American members.

Bishop Coyner Elected Board of Discipleship President

Indiana Area Bishop Michael J. Coyner was elected Sept. 29 to a four-year term as president of the United Methodist General Board of Discipleship during the church agency board's fall meeting in Nashville, Tenn., where the agency's offices are based.

Upon his election, Bishop Coyner said, "I am pleased to serve as President of General Board of Discipleship because this agency deals with issues which are at the heart of the church such as worship, education, stewardship, discipleship. This is an important time for GBOD as we begin the new Division on Ministries with Youth People which was approved by the General Conference. The GBOD also is welcoming the initiative Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century, which now will be housed with GBOD.

Bishop to Lead Cruise Tracing Paul's Fourth Missionary Journey

Indiana Area Bishop Michael J. Coyner will lead a 10-day cruise tracing Paul's fourth missionary journey beginning Nov. 11, 2005.

Prices for the trip start at $2,398 plus taxes, fees, etc. Travelers who make a $400 deposit by Nov. 11 can receive a $130 discount.

The Educational Opportunities Tours cruise will visit Athens, Rome, Naples, Pompeii, Malta, Sicily and Corinth. The cruise includes a lecture series, "The Studies of Paul's Life and Teachings," which is worth two units of continuing education.

For information, contact Educational Opportunities Tours at 863-648-0383, extension 1-309, or visit their Web site: www.eo.travelwithus.com.

North Conference Chooses New Healthflex Insurance Plan

By Brent Williams

After managing a self-insured health plan for its clergy for more than 20 years, the North Indiana Conference Board of Pension, Insurance and Moving has chosen the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits' HealthFlex program for its participants, beginning Jan. 1, 2005.

Who is included?

Active and retired clergy in the North Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church will move to the HealthFlex plan effective Jan.1, 2005. Conference lay employees and lay employees of local churches, currently enrolled in the North Indiana Conference Group Health Plan also will be moved to HealthFlex.

Why the change?

This decision was made carefully by the North Indiana Conference Board of Pension, Health Insurance and Moving following three years of negotiation with HealthFlex. There were three main reasons for the decision.

The current North Indiana Conference Self-Insured plan covers 386 active clergy, 450 retired clergy and a few conference and local church laity. Offering a quality health insurance program to such a small group has its challenges. The current NIC program is self-insured and has been for 20 years. With impending health care insurance cost increases from 10 to 20 percent on the horizon and dwindling reserves used to soften increases, it made sense to seek other options before a change would be mandated.

Eventually, the NIC would have joined with HealthFlex, a consortium of 26 annual conferences under the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits based in Evanston, Ill. The timing is right to move to HealthFlex in 2005. HealthFlex has purchased the Blue Cross/Blue Shield network that is currently being used by NIC for its participants. As a result, those participants in Indiana will see no change in their network doctors or hospitals. In addition, HealthFlex gave NIC a price that was very competitive with the estimated costs of remaining with our current program.

One of the more attractive reasons for selecting HealthFlex is their commitment to health and wellness. If we can become a more healthy population, our participants will be better off and, in addition, we should be able to have a beneficial impact on our costs. Any health insurance program can pay claims, but a good program will address improving the health and wellness of its participants.

Indiana Scholar Writes Recourse on Loss for Caregivers

INDIANAPOLIS -- Everyone experiences loss, including an Indiana scholar whose daughter was murdered. From her death came a unique resource for pastors and others who give counsel to those who have suffered loss.

That scholar is the Rev. Adolph Hansen, theologian in residence at St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, who has written a recently published book titled Responding to Loss: A Resource for Caregivers (Baywood Publishing).

Described as both sequential and cyclical, the book describes phases that often occur before the break in an attachment, as well as those that are common after the break. At the same time, it identifies the many variations within these phases. Although focused on the individual who is experiencing the break, the book recognizes the importance of these events to others, particularly members of the family, friends and a variety of caregivers.

For more information about Hansen and the book, log on to www.baywood.com.

University of Indianapolis President Announces Retirement

INDIANAPOLIS (UINDY) -- University of Indianapolis President Jerry Israel recently announced that he will retire in the summer of 2005 after an impressive, seven-year tenure that has fostered enrollment growth, new centers of excellence, increased international involvement, and expansion of programs and facilities at the institution once described as "the city's best-kept secret."

"The timing is right for new leadership," said Israel, who turned 63 in September. "We have had an extraordinary run here at the University. Programs, enrollments, facilities, fundraising and reputation have all met or exceeded the goals we set in the five-year strategic plan adopted in 2000."

Board of Trustees Chair Christel DeHaan expressed appreciation for Israel's service and regret over his decision to step down. "I so enjoy working with Jerry," she said. During Israel's presidency, which began August 1998, the University's local campus has grown its fulltime, traditional-age enrollment by nearly 40 percent and opened this fall with more than 2,100 students in this category -- an all-time record

DeHaan has appointed Sue Anne Gilroy to head the search committee for the university's next president.

Marking the Graves of United Methodist Ministers

The Commission on Archives and History of South Indiana Conference is attempting to locate graves of former United Methodist ministers in order to place a memorial marker on the graves. They also are looking for ministers of The United Methodist Church's predecessors -- the Methodist Episcopal and Evangelical United Brethren churches.

If you know of a minister's gravesite that is unmarked by The United Methodist Church, please contact Bill Glass, c/o The Commission on Archives and History, South Indiana Conference, 400 S. College Ave., Greencastle, IN 46135.

Oxford Field of Dreams to Help Others

By Matthew Oates

OXFORD, Ind. -- Just outside this Benton County community and down a gravel road is a cornfield. But not just any cornfield.

This cornfield is a joint venture between Oxford and Lafayette Grace United Methodists to help the Foods Resource Bank, a Christian non-government humanitarian organization. The churches hope to raise about $10,000 from the 23 acres of corn and then receive a $10,000 matching grant from the U.S. Agency for International Development. All proceeds will go to the FRB for purchase of food for others in need.

To help increase the amount of the donation, numerous agri-businesses donated to the cause: Pioneer Hi-Bred donated the seed; Bayer and the Jasper County Farm Bureau donated herbicide; ADM donated the trucking and drying; and area farmers have donated the equipment and labor.

There are numerous firsts for this project: it is the first time the two churches have worked on this project; and it is one of the first times in the FRB's history that a twinning between churches of similar denominations has occurred. A Brookston, Ind. farm participated in the FRB program last year, but there were different churches.

By teaming together, both mission-minded churches are doing more than growing corn. "Through projects like this, we're making a difference," said DeaKyne.

Oxford member Larry Winger -- who also farms 2,500 acres -- says the project will educate members not only on hunger issues, but also by allowing churches to come together to learn about one another and expose others to what it takes to produce food.

The field will be harvested on Oct. 17, starting around 11:15 a.m. with a joint worship service, followed by lunch at noon and harvesting around 1 p.m.

Lilly Endowment Announces Seventh Year of Indiana Clergy Renewal Program

INDIANAPOLIS -- Up to 40 Indiana congregations and their pastors will be selected next spring to receive grants in the Lilly Endowment's 2005 Clergy Renewal Program for Indiana Congregations. This is the seventh year for the popular program in which nearly 200 congregations have received grants to allow their pastor time away for reflection and renewal.

Any congregation in Indiana with an ordained pastor is eligible to apply.

Each congregation is eligible for a grant of up to $45,000. Up to $15,000 of the grant may be used to help the congregation fulfill pastoral duties during the pastor's absence or to support activities that enable the congregation to be renewed in its ministry. The deadline for applications is Feb. 17, 2005, and recipients will be announced by June.

Interested persons may gain access to the brochure/application by logging on to lillyendowment.org and clicking on Religion.

DePauw University Opens Nature Park

GREENCASTLE, Ind. -- "This is a day we've been looking forward to for a long time," DePauw University President Robert G. Bottoms said recenlty as he officially opened the new DePauw University Nature Park.

The 480-acre facility -- which features four trails for walking, jogging, hiking and biking; arboretums; a canoe launch; and outdoor classrooms -- was dedicated as part of Community Day at DePauw this past summer.

Hanson Aggregates mined a limestone quarry on the site, which is located one-third of a mile from the western edge of the DePauw campus, for nearly a half century. The company donated 280 acres of the land, and is leasing the remaining 178 acres to DePauw for $1 annually for 99 years. DePauw acquired 23 acres of adjacent property to increase the total to 481 acres.

The DePauw University Nature Park is open to the public from dawn to dusk, seven days a week. For information, contact Brien Holsapple, park ranger, at 765-653-5139.

Defibrillators Making Debut in Indiana Churches

By Brittany Brown

This summer an elderly member of Zionsville United Methodist Church collapsed of a cardiac arrest at a church concert. Within seconds a certified AED instructor and the congregation's parish nurse, Marilyn Berry-Stamm, came to her aid and saved her life using a recently installed portable defibrillator to restore her heartbeat to normal.

Zionsville member Dick Clymer called the act a miracle. He felt especially pleased because he had arranged the financing and purchase of the automated external defibrillator (AED) for his church.

A year ago, Clymer helped form a group to address special needs at the Zionsville congregation. One of those needs was an AED, a device used in emergency situations involving cardiac arrest. Clymer researched models and found donors within his congregation to help purchase the AED. By the spring of this year, the defibrillator was in place.

AEDs are beginning to be more prevalent in the non-medical sector. As a result, many major airlines equip their planes with AEDs, and a growing number of private businesses are taking the same action. Churches and other public buildings are beginning to obtain AEDs, too.

At least four greater Indianapolis United Methodist churches -- Zionsville, Christ, St. Luke's and North -- have installed an AED. While taking action to install the AEDs, each learned that operators must take both CPR and AED training offered by many hospitals and local American Red Cross organizations. The cost is about $50.

Church Copes with Hurricane Jeanne's Deadly Devastations

From UM Newscope

Hurricane Jeanne has caused more deaths than Charley, Frances and Ivan combined, according to the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Most of these deaths have been in Haiti, where the rains caused flooding and mudslides killing more than 1,500 victims.

Raphael L. Dessieu, president of The Methodist Church of Haiti, reports 1,200 church families have been affected by the storm. In an initial response, UMCOR will partner with Action by Churches Together, the international alliance of humanitarian aid organizations.

In the Alabama-West Florida Conference, workers have begun the long cleanup process. Some churches have been providing hot meals to more than 1,500 people a day.

UMCOR has already provided $10,000 in relief funding to Alabama-West Florida, and the conference reported that it is working on requests for additional money.

In the Western Pennsylvania Conference, Bishop Thomas Bickerton has urged UMs to respond to flooding, which caused tens of millions of dollars in damages.

UMCOR continues its urgent call for flood buckets. For information on how to contribute, visit www.UnitedMethodistRelief.org. Secure online donations can be made there for UMCOR's appeal, Hurricanes 2004, Advance #982410.

Colombian Missionary to Itinerate in Indiana Nov. 3-15

Barbara Brooks, a missionary commissioned by the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries, is scheduled to itinerate in the South Indiana Conference Nov. 3-15. She has been serving in Cali, Colombia, South America where she teaches English as a Foreign Language at Colegio Americano, a Cumberland Presbyterian Mission School.

For more information, contact Brooks at 248-693-7713 or brooksie_32@hotmail.com. If you have any questions about other South Indiana missionaries, contact Flora Childers at 812-246-5065 or f.childers@insightbb.com.

National Day of Conscience Raises Awareness of Sudan Crisis

INDIANAPOLIS (United Methodist Newscope) -- Promoted by a broad coalition of religious, human rights, and community organizations, Aug. 25 was designated a National Day of Conscience to raise awareness of the need for international intervention in the western Sudan region of Darfur.

Activists across the United States fasted or participated in one of at least 50 local events. The vigil at Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis was organized by Darren Cushman-Wood, senior pastor of Speedway UMC. Sayyid Syeed, secretary general of the Islamic Society of North America based in nearby Plainfield told the two dozen participants at the local gathering that in order to understand what was happening in Sudan, ISNA recently sent a delegation there to meet with government leaders, opposing political parties and survivors. He pledged the cooperation of the Islamic community in offering prayers, relief and proper political solutions. He further said, "I am both thankful and hopeful for religious solidarity on Sudan."

Bishops Open D.C. Office

WASHINGTON (UMNS) -- The United Methodist Church's Council of Bishops has opened its global office at the historic United Methodist Building on Capitol Hill.

The opening marks the first time the council has had a permanent office, said Bishop Peter D. Weaver, the council's president, in making the Sept. 27 announcement. The building, which also houses other United Methodist and ecumenical agencies, is across the street from the U.S. Capitol and the U.S. Supreme Court.

The church has 68 active bishops, including 50 in the United States and 18 in Africa, Europe and the Philippines.

'Bikers For Jesus' Wander Indiana

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- An unusually cool August and rural Indiana combined to help a group of 16 bikers and support staff raise funds for missionaries and a campus ministry.

The 13 bikers -- students, a pastor and a board member of the Wesley Foundation at Purdue University -- peddled from Lake Michigan to Leavenworth, Ind., along the Ohio River from Aug. 6-13.

During the trip, they raised funds for a program through the General Board of Global Ministries to provide bicycles for missionaries, pastors and church workers in developing countries, as well as for the Wesley Foundation at Purdue. The almost $6,000 raised will be split between the two projects.

Maple Lane Congregation Merges with Granger Church

GRANGER, Ind. -- Maple Lane United Methodist Church held its last worship service in August before merging Sept. 5 with Good Shepherd United Methodist Church at Granger.

Local United Methodist church leaders and Michiana District Superintendent Robert Dexter decided at a conference in May to merge the congregations.

The Praise Fellowship Seventh-day Adventist Congregation, which has rented the church for use on Saturdays and Wednesdays for the last few years, is in the process of purchasing the Maple Lane building, said Hattie Washington, the clerk for Praise Fellowship.

for more details and additional events, visit our Happenings page.

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